Cystic fibrosis

The only preventive measure available is to perform genetic analysis on couples before they become pregnant.

Secondary prevention aims to prevent patients from acquiring disease-modifying infections (e.g., Burkholderia cepacia complex or Pseudomonas) and processes that may lead to acute pulmonary exacerbations or disease progression.

Immunisation

Immunisation against common pathogens is beneficial and can reduce the number and severity of exacerbations. Vaccination schedules vary by location for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); consult local guidance for recommendations.[187]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines & immunizations: adult immunization schedule by age (addendum updated Aug 7, 2025): recommendations for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2025. Jul 2025 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html [188]Borowitz D, Robinson KA, Rosenfeld M, et al; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation evidence-based guidelines for management of infants with cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr. 2009 Dec;155(suppl 6):S73-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324931 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19914445?tool=bestpractice.com

Infection control

Follow local or national infection control strategies in inpatient and outpatient settings.[189]Rowbotham NJ, Palser SC, Smith SJ, et al. Infection prevention and control in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review of interventions. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2019 May;13(5):425-34. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17476348.2019.1595594 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30892097?tool=bestpractice.com [190]Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pseudomonas [internet publication]​. https://www.cff.org/managing-cf/pseudomonas [191]Saiman L, Siegel JD, LiPuma JJ, et al. Infection prevention and control guideline for cystic fibrosis: 2013 update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Aug;35(suppl 1):S1-67. https://www.cff.org/medical-professionals/infection-prevention-and-control-clinical-care-guidelines http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25025126?tool=bestpractice.com

Common strategies include:

• frequent hand cleaning,

• use of single-use personal protective equipment (e.g., wearing gowns, gloves, and masks),

• use of single-use or patient-dedicated equipment (where unavailable, robust cleaning and/or sterilisation processes should be in place), and

• keeping people with CF a safe distance from each other (e.g., isolate where possible, particularly when infection is present).

Multifaceted interventions are especially critical to limiting the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in health care settings.